Diversity Rules Magazine

6 Diversity Rules Magazine March 2020 Aspen - Con't from page 3 A er dinner, head to Capitol Hill, the epicenter of LGBTQ nightlife. Remember, don't go too wild be- cause the drive to Aspen to long and a bit tricky depending on the weather. Party with the locals at Tracks, Charlie's, X Bar or Triangle. The road to Gay Ski Week in Aspen could be quite adventurous. You never really know what the weather will be, and it could turn on a dime in the mountains. Luckily, we were met with clear skies on both our drives to and from Aspen, but the Friday during our stay saw 10 inches of snow fall and shut down major roads into the city, stranding some rev- elers for hours. Even Olympic medalist Gus Kenworthy was no match for the winter storm. He was scheduled to appear at Four Mountain Sports but was delayed over an hour due to the harsh condi ons. I had never been to Aspen before and wasn't sure what to expect. As you drive along I-70, twis ng through the steep mountain peaks and tunnels, you begin to envision what the ski town will look like. Aspen is an old mining town, founded in the 1870s and its deep history can s ll be seen today in some beau fully preserved buildings. As you wander around the narrow streets, you can see old mixed with new, evident by the contemporary design of the Aspen Art Museum. Even the glamorous bou- ques like Chanel, Gucci and Dior are housed in his- toric buildings, which add to the city's mys que. The Limelight Hotel Aspen is ground zero for all things Gay Ski Week including a daily ac vity known as Après Ski, which loosely translates into a er ski drinks and conversa on with friends. Even non- guests of the hotel would gather daily in the lobby for this Aspen tradi on. Limelight is located in the heart of the city and a few blocks from the base of Aspen Mountain. The hotel offers a complimentary buffet breakfast as well as shu le service, making your stay even more enjoyable since you won't need a car or rideshare. Our room at Limelight was nothing short of magnificent. The Cathedral Suite features a full kitchen, dining and living room com- plete with a wall of windows offering breathtaking views of the mountains. Aspen Gay Ski Week events change on a daily basis. On the evening we arrived, many bou ques and art galleries stayed open late for Aspen's Fashion & Art Night Out. The following night featured a comedy show with Julie Goldman and Alec Mapa held at Belly Up, followed by a dance party at the venue. However, one of the most an cipated events of the week is the Downhill Costume Compe on, where teams of skiers dress up in a theme and ski down As- pen mountain. I can't even ski in regular a re, but some of the ou its ranged from Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers to Olivia Newton John-inspired cos- tumes with the team performing to her hit "Physi- cal" on stage, a er skiing down the mountain. The event was hosted by Sister Helen Holy, quite simply one of the funniest, quick-wi ed drag queens I have ever seen. Sister Helen had the crowd roaring with laughter throughout the en re event, which hap- pened to be during that storm I men oned earlier. The snow made for an even more magical a er- noon. What gay event would be complete without some dance par es? Later in the evening, head to Top of Aspen - Con't on page 14

• Cover